What is a gordita?

Gordita, the Mexican Symbol of Great Taste

Gordita - A Mexican Specialty:

Gorditas originated from Mexico, but it's such a versatile food that similar fare has been adopted by other cultures. Gorditas literally means 'little fat ones' because it is a crusty bread stuffed with a filling that makes it look puffy, like a round belly. A traditional gordita is a special kind of bread which has been very carefully made from corn flour. The bread is formed into a pocket so you can use a wide range of edible stuff for the filling of the gorditas. You can serve them with sauces on the side that enhance the flavors.

Tortilla Presser

Preparation:

Gorditas are prepared from flour called "masa harina" or "masa de harina", and this is the key ingredient responsible for the great, traditional taste of Gorditas. It adds a unique flavor to the dish.

Masa harina is an ingredient obtained from fresh corn that has been dried and made into a dough. Corn is firstly dries to the full extent and then corn is placed in water that slaked lime or wood ash has been added to. The finished product is dried again and is then pressed in the tank with applied pressure.

The end result is fine dried corn that can be converted into finely blended powder that can be used much like wheat flour.

This type of corn flour dough is the defining factor of gorditas. The use of baking powder is also common in some parts for the preparation, but not always.

Gorditas are very popular around the world as this dish can be easily adapted to food preferences for any culture and cuisine. By making a few changes you can have your favorite kind of Gorditas. With this, the making and preparation techniques for Gorditas differ a bit from country to country. But for true and real pleasure of freshly made Gorditas you need to come to Mexico.

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Filling

The thing that really makes gorditas fun to cook and eat comes down to the filling. The corn dough is formed into a type of pocket so you can put a filling inside. You can fill them with all kinds of different things.

In Mexico, it is most commonly filled with meat and cheese-- cut-up chicken, beef or pork. But the exact preparation of the filling depends on the region. But you can really fill these 'little fatties' with any kind of ingredients you would like. If you are in Mexico, then Mexicans like their Gorditas hot. There is a large variety of different kinds of red spices found in Mexico. Vegetarians might prefer beans or vegetable fillings.

It depends upon your personal tastes, as well as what's available where you live, but you don't have to stick to Mexican flavors.

Browning

After filling gorditas, they are browned in oil. The browning of the Gorditas is an art and is said to be very important as it plays a very important role in the texture. Ideally, the outer dough of the gordita should be browned and crisp, while the inner core or the fillings must be moist and soft. It is the crispy outside and soft, 'gooey' inside that makes them such a joy to eat.

Sauces used

The finishing touches for gorditas is in the sauce. Traditionally in Mexico, gorditas would be served with a salsa, or a guacamole sauce. Again, though, a lot depends on your preferences a what you've put into it. If you made your gordita very spicy, a cool sour cream-based sauce or ranch dressing may be enjoyable. If your gorditas are stuffed with a seafood filling you might enjoy a cocktail sauce.

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Not Just for Dinner

Gorditas are not just great for a meal, they are great for a dessert. Gorditas de azucar (Sugar Gorditas) has sugar and spices added to the dough to make it more like a pastry, and the filling is sweet goodies such as chopped, macerated fruits or whipping creams. Enjoy a sweet dessert gordita with a little sprinkle of powdered sugar, or some ice cream on the side for a wonderful treat.

Gorditas have always been the most liked street food and it became famous all over the world. In Mexico it is the staple food of Mexican people and you can enjoy them to-- and have it your way while you're at it.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Chen

5 years ago

Ha! You make me laugh, Meow48! If you are feeling adventurous (or if your kids are), gorditas are pretty forgiving. Let me know how it turns out if you feel brave! Thanks for your comment.

meow48

6 years agofrom usa

i do not know how to say this any more delicately, but i have the ability to burn water...even my kids prefer me not to be the cook, hee hee.

AUTHOR

Chen

6 years ago

You’re welcome, Meow, and thank you for complimenting my hub! Taco Bell can be a treat, but you’ve never had Mexican food until you try some homemade Gorditas, tacos, and tortillas. Have you tried to make any of these traditional Mexican foods at home yet? Talk about a new level of deliciousness! :-)

meow48

6 years agofrom usa

thank you for a great hub. my only experience with mexican food is thru taco bell, which, is not really mexican.. i am told. but your hub was so good, it made me hungry, hee hee. take care.

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